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Sewage Spill Closes C&O Canal Section

WILLIAMSPORT, Md. (AP) -- A sewage spill has closed part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Washington County.

Washington County officials say the spill occurred late Wednesday or early Thursday. Williamsport Mayor James G. McCleaf II says a sewage pumping station was being overhauled at the time and sewage was being diverted to a backup pump that failed.

Brian Carlstrom, deputy superintendent of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, told The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown that about 50 yards of the towpath was affected and a short detour has been established. Carlstrom says the sewage spilled into a watered section of the canal, which will be pumped and treated in Williamsport's water-treatment system.

Signs have also been posted telling visitors not to fish in the area.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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